Speak Out Against Illinois Bill That Would Ban Gender Counseling to Minors

The Conversion Therapy Prohibition Act, HB 217, has been reintroduced into Illinois House. This bill would prohibit “any practices or treatments that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation, as defined by (o-1) of Section 1-103 of the Illinois Human Rights Act: “actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or gender-related identity, whether or not traditionally associated with the person’s designated sex at birth.” Click here to read the bill in its entirety.

If passed this bill will prohibit counseling for gender-related issues for children under the age of 18 years old. It would also stymie any attempt to explore the root causes of “gender-related identity not associated with the person’s designated sex at birth.”

Provides that no mental health provider shall engage in sexual orientation change efforts with a person under the age of 18.

Provides that any sexual orientation change effort attempted on a person under the age of 18 by a mental health provider shall be considered unprofessional conduct.

Provides that a mental health provider found to have engaged in a sexual orientation change effort shall be disciplined by the licensing entity or disciplinary review board with competent jurisdiction.

Contact your State Representatives. Urge them to oppose HB 217. If it moves quickly out of committee, your representatives need to be put on notice now that you want them to oppose HB 217. Don’t know who your representatives are? No problem, click here and put in your address. It’s easy!

Contact your pastors, traditional family value counselors, as well as your family and friends. Urge them to stand against HB 217.